3RD-PARTY
- Status: deprecated
- Editor: Filip Dimitrijevic <filip@status.im>
- Contributors:
- Volodymyr Kozieiev <volodymyr@status.im>
Abstract
This specification discusses 3rd party APIs that Status relies on.
These APIs provide various capabilities, including:
- communicating with the Ethereum network,
- allowing users to view address and transaction details on external websites,
- retrieving fiat/crypto exchange rates,
- obtaining information about collectibles,
- hosting the privacy policy.
Definitions
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Fiat money | Currency established as money, often by government regulation, but without intrinsic value. |
| Full node | A computer, connected to the Ethereum network, that enforces all Ethereum consensus rules. |
| Crypto-collectible | A unique, non-fungible digital asset, distinct from cryptocurrencies where tokens are identical. |
Why 3rd Party APIs Can Be a Problem
Relying on 3rd party APIs conflicts with Status’s censorship-resistance principle.
Since Status aims to avoid suppression of information,
it is important to minimize reliance on 3rd parties that are critical to app functionality.
3rd Party APIs Used by the Current Status App
Infura
What is it?
Infura hosts a collection of Ethereum full nodes and provides an API
to access the Ethereum and IPFS networks without requiring a full node.
How Status Uses It
Since Status operates on mobile devices,
it cannot rely on a local node.
Therefore, all Ethereum network communication happens via Infura.
Concerns
Making an HTTP request can reveal user metadata,
which could be exploited in attacks if Infura is compromised.
Infura uses centralized hosting providers;
if these providers fail or cut off service,
Ethereum-dependent features in Status would be affected.
Etherscan
What is it?
Etherscan is a service that allows users to explore the Ethereum blockchain
for transactions, addresses, tokens, prices,
and other blockchain activities.
How Status Uses It
The Status Wallet allows users to view address and transaction details on Etherscan.
Concerns
If Etherscan becomes unavailable,
users won’t be able to view address or transaction details through Etherscan.
However, in-app information will still be accessible.
CryptoCompare
What is it?
CryptoCompare provides live crypto prices, charts, and analysis from major exchanges.
How Status Uses It
Status regularly fetches crypto prices from CryptoCompare,
using this information to calculate fiat values
for transactions or wallet assets.
Concerns
HTTP requests can reveal metadata,
which could be exploited if CryptoCompare is compromised.
If CryptoCompare becomes unavailable,
Status won’t be able to show fiat equivalents for crypto in the wallet.
Collectibles
Various services provide information on collectibles:
Concerns
HTTP requests can reveal metadata,
which could be exploited if these services are compromised.
Iubenda
What is it?
Iubenda helps create compliance documents for websites and apps across jurisdictions.
How Status Uses It
Status’s privacy policy is hosted on Iubenda.
Concerns
If Iubenda becomes unavailable,
users will be unable to view the app's privacy policy.
Changelog
| Version | Comment |
|---|---|
| 0.1.0 | Initial release |
Copyright
Copyright and related rights waived via CC0.